FA Cup Third Qualifying Round: Five To Follow

The qualification rounds of the Emirates FA Cup are quickly drawing to a conclusion and with only two rounds to go until the competition ‘proper’, many teams will be looking to secure their place in Monday’s fourth qualifying round draw as the promised land of the First Round Proper is within touching distance. 

These qualifying rounds bring in some much-needed income for teams up and down the footballing pyramid, as well as much needed exposure in their local & surrounding areas so here at Heart of Football, we have taken a look at five ties that could intrigue readers this weekend. 

Alfreton Town vs Emley AFC

A proper FA Cup tie, one for the purists as Emley AFC of the North West Counties East division (Step 5 of the non-league pyramid) travel to promotion chasing Alfreton Town FC from National League North (Step 2 of the non-league pyramid).  
 
While many people will believe that this will be a routine afternoon for the hosts, Emley AFC have to believe in themselves and play without fear in a cup tie that encapsulates the magic of this famous competition. 

For the players, supporters & officials of Emley, this is bound to be a weekend they will not forget in a while and with the prospect of a place in the fourth qualifying round, they will leave everything on that pitch.  

Anything can happen in a one off game, right? 

Gosport Borough vs Welling United 

The Southern League South leaders are on a charge, defeating both title rivals Merthyr Town away from home and AFC Totton back in Gosport in the last week and they will be looking to take another big scalp in the cup as they welcome Danny Bloor’s Welling United.  

The Wings have struggled in the early stages of this season picking up just eight points out of a possible thirty, but a win against fellow National League South outfit Dartford in the last round and a point away at Bloor’s former side Eastbourne Borough in the league, Welling should be starting to gain momentum and will look to this tie to turn things around.  

Heart of Football believe that Gosport, under the expert guidance of young managers Pat Suraci & Joe Lea, can continue their form and upset the odds by sending Welling back to the capital emptyhanded. 

Lewes FC vs Hampton & Richmond Borough 

Much like Welling United in the previous section, Hampton & Richmond Borough are having a hard time of it in the opening stages of the league season, finding themselves in the relegation zone of National League South. A defeat last time out at home to a nine man Yeovil Town would have frustrated The Beavers and they will be hoping to bounce back with a win on the South Coast.  

Lewes’ Dripping Pan is an iconic stadium in the Non-league scene and the East Sussex side will be hoping to make this fixture memorable for their supporters. After defeating a very strong Ascot United away from home in the last round, The Isthmian Premier League team will hope they can cause an upset by knocking out a higher opposition. 

Expect a big crowd at The Dripping Pan for an entertaining cup tie that, on paper, is very evenly matched. 

Macclesfield FC vs Warrington Rylands 1906

A mouth watering North West fixture pits two high flying Northern Premier League sides together in a fixture likely to attract a crowd into the thousands. With both sides also in the play-off positions in the league, this is a tough one to call. 

A draw between the two sides just a matter of weeks ago may give some insight into how this fixture could pan out, even with Maccesfield leading up until the 99^th minute of the game.  

The Silkmen have already surpassed their best FA Cup run (as Macclesfield FC) and will be hoping to go even further to put their club back in the conversation of the nation’s football fans.  

“Rylands 1906” know exactly what is needed to progress in FA competitions as the Warrington based side won the FA Vase in the 2020-21 season at Wembley. While Wembley may seem a far cry for them in the FA Cup, The Blues will be looking to dump out their regional neighbours in an attempt to reach the next round.  

Winchester City vs Maidstone United

Winchester City needed a replay against Step 5 Reading City in the previous round, but after coming from a goal down to win the replay they have been on an impressive run of form. Wins away at promotion chasing Chesham United and home to Basingstoke Town will fill the Citizens with an abundance of confidence going into yet another difficult challenge.  

Maidstone’s relegation from the National League last season was a concern for many at the club as to the direction they were headed, but with just two losses since the start of the new campaign, there is a new air of confidence around The Gallagher Stadium. George Elokobi will be hoping, and probably expecting his side to progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round based on their recent form but it will surely not be routine in Hampshire.  

A chance of a cup upset at The SimplyHealth City Ground is really on the cards here & Winchester City should not be discarded in this fixture.  

With teams from the National League entering the competition at the next stage, this round of fixtures will be vital for those looking to boost their revenue, attendances and their chances of pulling one of the ‘big’ non-league clubs in the next round.